Things to do in Boston for New Year's Eve?

December 4, 2005 3:07 PM

I'll have some people visiting Boston from out of town, and I'm trying to get a list of places to go for New Year's so we can figure out what to do.

I know about First Night, but I'd be curious to see if anyone has any recommendations for places to hang out. Thanks!

posted by gnat to food & drink (7 comments total)

Some friends had a private party at the Bell in Hand a couple years ago. It sucked. If I remember correctly, they kicked us out at 12:15am.
posted by Xalf at 3:22 PM on December 4, 2005

what kind of places are you interested in? Loads of bars and restaurants do special New Years Eve events, usually for pretty hefty prices. Depends on what sort of thing you enjoy
posted by darsh at 3:22 PM on December 4, 2005

I'm more of a low key person - I'd be fine hanging out at a neighborhood bar, except there are no bars in my neighborhood :)

Less pricey would probably be best. Some of the special New Year's Events I've seen listed are a bit over the top for me.
posted by gnat at 3:29 PM on December 4, 2005

gnat, I don't have any specific recommendations, since I wouldn't really steer you toward the places I've gone over the past couple of years.

However, whatever you decide to do, you need to make your reservations NOW. Everything books up, even (in my experience) local bars, most of which close for private parties or reservation-only events.
posted by killdevil at 4:00 PM on December 4, 2005

I remember enjoying the whole First Night thing one year, and not another -- it had everything to do with the temperature. So if you do First Night, have a backup plan indoors somewhere.
One First Night tip: figure out which performances are by locals, and which are by international travelers, then avoid the former. Some amazingly talented people come to perform at First Night.
posted by Aknaton at 4:09 PM on December 4, 2005

Check out this list which a friend just emailed me. The only thing I've done on that list is Jake Ivory's, which I really enjoyed. But I'm a fan of duelling pianos.
I will second the fact that you need to make reservations for most places now.
posted by darsh at 4:14 PM on December 4, 2005

Thanks for the suggestions so far, if anyone has any other ideas please post them!
posted by gnat at 5:07 PM on December 4, 2005